Let's Take a Break From Negative News in the Media

Are you tired of all of the hype on the local news, national news, and international news…..even all of the talk radio? Well, I am. All you get is bad news; the economy, guns, politics, crime, drugs, wars, blahh, blahh. And unless you respond by screaming, slamming your fist on the coffee table and writing your opinion in some blog, then there is something wrong with you. Folks, things are not that bad. Problem is with 24/7/365 media coverage, it just seems that way.

Living in today’s world is hard enough without hearing every single thing that is wrong out there. Once in a while, the media throws you a bone and shows you a story of some young kid helping an elderly lady across the street and then BAM…They nail you with, “And in other news, 50 people die in a plane crash in Seattle!”

So, I have some alternative suggestions. I’m not always right, but I do try.

Rent a funny movie. My suggestions are "Caddyshack," "Airplane," "Meatballs," "Stripes," "Weekend at Bernie’s," and any "Monty Python" movie, etc. You know what I am getting at.

Just something funny and goofy where you don’t need to be a movie critic and worry about perfect content.

Rent a dramatic movie. My suggestions are "E.T.," "The Godfather", "Apocalypse Now," "Jaws," "Forrest Gump," "Indiana Jones," or some older James Bond’s films. Something with a plot that will keep your attention for a few hours.

It’s warm out there. Maybe do some gardening. Go to the mall and eat something in the food court. Go for a walk around Stone Mountain. Go to your local bar, grab a beer and throw some darts.

Most importantly, don’t watch the news, read a paper or listen to talk radio for a few days. You will be more relaxed and not as worried about every little thing going on out there. Remember, Cheer up and let’s take a break.

Officer Larry Jacobs is the Crime Prevention Officer for the Sandy Springs Police Department. He can be reached at ljacobs@sandyspringsga.gov.